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United States Eric 'Butterbean' Esch is a multi-sport combat athlete and television personality who has achieved world championships in professional boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, and professional wrestling.
Lucky Energy collaborated with Butterbean to launch KNOCKOUT PUNCH, a limited edition flavor. This flavor was conceived as a tribute to Butterbean.
Eric 'Butterbean' Esch partnered with promoter Ace 'Money Mike' Long to host old-school brawl events in Gadsden and Dothan.
In 2018, Esch opened a family-run restaurant in Jasper, Alabama, specializing in barbecue cuisine. The restaurant was later in the process of closing down.
Eric David Scott Esch, known professionally as Butterbean, was born on August 3, 1966, in Atlanta, Georgia. He had a challenging childhood, moving from Georgia to St. Johns, Michigan at age four, and later to Jasper, Alabama at age eleven. His mother passed away when he was eight years old, and he experienced bullying for his weight. Esch’s combat sports career began following a dare from co-workers at the Southern Energy Homes plant in Addison, Alabama, where he worked decking floors. He entered a local Toughman Contest and won, leading to his entry into professional fighting.
Esch turned professional in boxing in 1994, earning the nickname “Butterbean” after adopting a diet that included chicken and butterbeans to meet weight limits. He quickly gained a cult following as the “King of the 4 Rounders” due to his aggressive fighting style and frequent televised bouts. Over his boxing career, he amassed 77 wins, with 58 by knockout, and held the World Athletic Association (WAA) heavyweight and IBA super heavyweight championships. Beyond boxing, Esch also competed in kickboxing and mixed martial arts, notably in K-1 and Pride Fighting Championships, and had multiple stints in professional wrestling, including at WWE’s WrestleMania XV where he defeated Bart Gunn. His combined fight record across these disciplines stands at 97 wins, 24 losses, and 5 draws, with 65 knockouts and 9 submissions.
Following his combat sports career, Esch faced personal challenges, including severe obesity and sex addiction. At one point, he weighed over 500 pounds and struggled with mobility. He has since undergone a significant health transformation, losing over 200 pounds with the help of Diamond Dallas Page’s DDP Yoga program. This transformation allowed him to qualify for hip surgery in 2022. Esch has also appeared in various media, including reality television in “Big Law: Deputy Butterbean,” and films such as “Jackass: The Movie.” He also actively engages with charitable causes, participating in events like a wrestling match for charity at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.
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